Doctor held hostage by inmates

Inmates have taken a prison doctor hostage at a privately operated maximum security jail near Bloemfontein.

Johannesburg - Inmates took a prison doctor and a nurse hostage on Monday at a privately operated maximum security jail near Bloemfontein, officials said.

Police spokesperson Billy Jones said two prisoners were still holding a doctor, after they earlier freed a nurse.

He said “negotiations are ongoing” to try to secure the release of the doctor.

Grace Molatedi, the regional deputy commissioner for prisons, had earlier confirmed that “there has been a hostage drama at Mangaung Correctional Centre”, but had not divulged any details, saying the matter was “sensitive”.

“Offenders are holding officials hostage,” Molatedi said.

The prison is jointly operated by the government and British security outfit G4S. - AFP